Skin moisturizer

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a topical skin care composition and corresponding methods for its use comprising water, a cationic surfactant, an occlusive skin conditioning agent, a humectant skin conditioning agent, and a silicone containing compound. The composition is dermatologically acceptable and is capable of moisturizing skin for at least twelve hours after topical application to skin even after multiple washings of the skin.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 61/355,412, filed Jun. 16, 2010. The contents of the referencedapplication are incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to compositions that can be usedto improve the skin's visual appearance. In particular, the presentinvention concerns topical skin care compositions that include water, acationic surfactant, an occlusive skin conditioning agent, a humectantskin conditioning agent, and a silicone containing compound. Aparticular use for the composition can be to moisturize skin or treatdried, chapped, or flaky skin such as hand skin.

B. Description of Related Art

Several skin moisturizing compositions are currently available. Thesecompositions have various drawbacks ranging from unpleasant tactileproperties (e.g., heavy, greasy, or sticky feel), low staying power(e.g., tendency to migrate and pool from point of application ortendency to be easily removed from the skin via being subjected to onlyone washing), or insufficient moisturization capabilities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes deficiencies in the art by providing acosmetically elegant composition that is capable of remaining on theskin even after the skin is subjected to washing (e.g., rinsing the skinwith water or with soap and water). The composition is also capable ofmoisturizing the skin for at least 12, 18, 20, or 24 hours after topicalapplication.

In one aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a compositionthat includes any one of, any combination of (e.g., 1, 2, 3, or 4), orall of water, a cationic surfactant, an occlusive skin conditioningagent, a humectant skin conditioning agent, and/or a silicone containingcompound, wherein the composition is dermatologically acceptable andcapable of moisturizing skin for at least 12 hours after topicalapplication to skin. In particular aspects, the cationic surfactant caninclude distearyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, although others can beused such as those known in the art or disclosed in this specification.The occlusive skin conditioning agent can include petrolatum, althoughothers can be used such as those known in the art or disclosed in thisspecification. The humectant can include glycerin or propylene glycol ora combination thereof, although others can be used such as those knownin the art or disclosed in this specification. The silicone containingcompound can include dimethicone, although others can be used such asthose known in the art or disclosed in this specification. In particularaspects, the composition includes 60 to 80% w/w of water, 3 to 7% w/w ofthe cationic surfactant, 5 to 10% w/w of the occlusive skin conditioningagent, 3 to 15% w/w of the humectant skin conditioning agent, and/or 0.1to 2% w/w of the silicone containing compound. In further embodiments,the composition includes 10 to 15% w/w of the humectant skinconditioning agent. In still another aspect, the composition can furtherinclude any one of, any combination of (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,or 10), or all of the following ingredients: C12-15 alkyl benzoate;cetyl alcohol; caprylic/capric triglyceride; diazolidinyl; tocopherolacetate; methylparaben; disodium edta; allantoin; sodium chloride;and/or triethanolamine. In a further embodiment, the compositioninclude: 1 to 3% w/w of C12-15 alkyl benzoate; 1 to 3% w/w of cetylalcohol; 1 to 3% w/w of caprylic/capric triglyceride; 0.1 to 2% w/w ofdiazolidinyl; 0.1 to 2% w/w of tocopherol acetate; 0.1 to 2% w/w ofmethylparaben; 0.001 to 1% w/w of disodium edta; 0.01 to 1% w/w ofallantoin; 0.01 to 1% w/w of sodium chloride; and/or 0.01 to 1% w/w oftriethanolamine. The composition can consist or consist essentially ofany of the aforementioned ingredients. In certain aspects, thecomposition is an emulsion. The emulsion can be an oil-in-wateremulsion. The emulsion can be formulated as a cream or a lotion. Incertain aspects, the oil phase of the emulsion can include any one of ,any combination of (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5), or all of the followingingredients: C12-15 alcohols benzoate, caprylic/capric triglycerides,tocopheryl acetate, petrolatum, and/or cetyl alcohol. The compositioncan have a cosmetically or pharmaceutically elegant feel such anon-oily, non-greasy, non-sticky, non-tacky, and/or silky feel. A personof ordinary skill in the art of topical skin formulations understandsthe meaning of such tactile properties. In one embodiment, thecomposition includes, consists essentially of, or consists of all of theingredients in the amounts described in Table 1 of this applicationand/or amounts of ingredients thereof, which is incorporated into thissection by reference.

In another aspect of the present invention, the composition includeswater, a cationic surfactant, an occlusive skin conditioning agent, ahumectant skin conditioning agent, and a silicone containing compound,wherein the composition is dermatologically acceptable and capable ofmoisturizing skin for at least 12 hours after topical application toskin. The ratio of the amount of water (w/w) to the amount of humectant(w/w) within the composition ranges from 4:1 to 7:1 or from 5:1 to 6:1,the ratio of the amount of water (w/w) to the amount of occlusive agent(w/w) within the composition ranges from 8:1 to 11:1, or from 9:1 to10:1, the ratio of the amount of water (w/w) to the amount of siliconcontaining compound (w/w) within the composition ranges from 130:1 to140:1, and/or the ratio of the amount of water (w/w) to the amount ofcationic surfactant (w/w) within the composition ranges from 12:1 to15:1 or from 13:1 to 14:1.

In yet another embodiment, the composition includes 60-80% by weight ofwater, 3-7% by weight of a cationic surfactant, an occlusive skinconditioning agent, a humectant skin conditioning agent, and 0.1-2% w/wof a silicone containing compound, wherein the composition isdermatologically acceptable and capable of moisturizing skin for atleast 12 hours after topical application to skin, and wherein the ratioof the amount of humectant(s) (w/w) to the amount of occlusive(s) (w/w)is from 1:1 to 2:1, or from 1.5:1 to 2:1. Such amounts and ratiosprovide for a composition that has a light, non-oily feel yet hasexcellent moisturization properties and pro-longed sustainability (i.e.,can remain on the skin even after the skin is rinsed or washed at leaston two separate occasions).

In certain embodiments, the compositions are formulated into topicalskin care compositions. The compositions can be cosmetic compositions.In other aspects, the compositions can be included in a cosmeticvehicle. Non-limiting examples of cosmetic vehicles are disclosed inother sections of this specification and are known to those of skill inthe art. Examples of cosmetic vehicles include emulsions (e.g.,oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions), creams, lotions, solutions,gels, and ointments. In other non-limiting embodiments, the compositionsof the present invention can be included in skin moisturizing productssuch as hand moisturizers. The compositions can also be formulated fortopical skin application at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or more times aday during use. In other aspects of the present invention, compositionscan be storage stable or color stable, or both. The compositions of thepresent invention have a viscosity between 75,000 and 100,000 cps, asmeasured on a Brookfield Viscometer using a TC spindle at 2.5 rpm at 25°C., a well-known device used to measure the viscosity of compositions.The compositions in non-limiting aspects can have a pH of about 6 toabout 9. In other aspects, the pH can be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,11, 12, 13, or 14. In other aspects, the compositions can be sunscreenshaving a sun protection factor (SPF) of 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35,40, 45, 50, 55, or more.

In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a methodfor moisturizing skin comprising topically applying any one of thecompositions disclosed throughout this specification to skin in need ofmoisturization. In particular aspects, the composition can be applied todry or flaky skin. The composition can moisturize skin for a prolongedperiod of time (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15,16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, or 24, or more hours after topicalapplication) even after the skin is subjected to multiple rinsings orwashings (e.g., at least two washings). The composition has the abilityto remain on the skin even after the skin has been rinsed or washed onat least two different occasions. In particular aspects, the compositionhas been found to be highly effective in moisturizing hand skin and canremain on the hand skin after multiple hand rinsings or washings. Thecomposition can have a cosmetically or pharmaceutically elegant feelsuch a non-oily, non-greasy, non-sticky, non-tacky, and/or silky feelafter being applied to skin such as hand skin.

Also disclosed is a method of treating or preventing a skin conditioncomprising topical application of any one of the compositions describedin this specification to skin in need thereof, wherein the topicalapplication of the composition treats the skin condition. In one aspect,the method includes moisturizing skin or treating or preventing theappearing of dry skin, flaky skin, or chapped skin. In other aspects, itis contemplated that the compositions can be used to treat or preventskin conditions ranging from pruritus, spider veins, lentigo, age spots,senile purpura, keratosis, melasma, blotches, fine lines or wrinkles,nodules, sun damaged skin, dermatitis (including, but not limited toseborrheic dermatitis, nummular dermatitis, contact dermatitis, atopicdermatitis, exfoliative dermatitis, perioral dermatitis, and stasisdermatitis), psoriasis, folliculitis, rosacea, acne, impetigo,erysipelas, erythrasma, eczema, and other inflammatory skin conditions.In certain non-limiting aspects, the skin condition can be caused byexposure to UV light, age, irradiation, chronic sun exposure,environmental pollutants, air pollution, wind, cold, heat, chemicals,disease pathologies, smoking, or lack of nutrition. The skin can befacial skin or non-facial skin (e.g., arms, legs, hands, chest, back,feet, etc.). The method can further comprise identifying a person inneed of skin treatment. The person can be a male or female. The age ofthe person can be at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25,30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, or more yearsold, or any range derivable therein. The method can also includetopically applying an amount effective to: increase the stratum corneumturnover rate of the skin; increase collagen synthesis in fibroblasts;increase cellular anti-oxidant defense mechanisms (e.g., exogenousadditions of anti-oxidants can bolster, replenish, or prevent the lossof cellular antioxidants such as catalase and glutathione in skin cells(e.g., keratinocytes, melanocytes, langerhans cells, etc.) which willreduce or prevent oxidative damage to the skin, cellular, proteins, andlipids); inhibit melanin production in melanocytes; reduce or preventoxidative damage to skin (including reducing the amount lipid peroxidesand/or protein oxidation in the skin). In certain embodiments,compositions of the present invention can decrease the amount ofinternal oxidation and/or external oxidative damage in a cell. In otheraspects, the compositions can increase collagen synthesis in a cell. Thecompositions can also reduce skin inflammation, such as by reducinginflammatory cytokine production in a cell. Non-limiting examples ofsuch cells include human epidermal keratinocyte, human fibroblast dermalcell, human melanocytes, three dimensional human cell-derived in vitrotissue equivalents comprising human keratinocytes, human fibroblasts, orhuman melanocytes, or any combination thereof (e.g., combination ofhuman keratinocytes and human fibroblasts or a combination of humankeratinocytes and human melanocytes).

In a particular embodiment, there is disclosed a skin moisturizingcomposition comprising: (a) a discontinuous oil phase comprising lessthan 25% by weight of the composition, wherein the discontinuous oilphase includes: (i) 6 to 8% w/w of petrolatum; and (ii) 0.1 to 1% w/w/of dimethicone; (b) a continuous water phase comprising at least 75% byweight of the composition, wherein the continuous water phase includes:(i) 65 to 70% w/w water; (ii) 6 to 8% w/w/ of glycerin; and (iii) 4 to6% w/w of propylene glycol; and (c) 4 to 6% w/w/ of distearyldimoniumchloride, wherein the composition has a viscosity between 75,000 to100,000 cps, as measured on a Brookfield Viscometer using a TC spindleat 2.5 rpm at 25° C. The composition can be a cream or a lotion. Incertain aspects, the composition is not a foam, is not dispensed as afoam, does not include a foaming agent, and/or is not contained in anaerosolized container or a container that has a foam-based pumpmechanism. In certain aspects, the composition also does not include afilm forming polymer. The discontinuous oil-phase can further comprise:(iv) 1-3% w/w of C12-15 alkyl benzoate; (v) 1-3% w/w of cetyl alcohol;and (vi) 1-3% w/w of caprylic/capric triglyceride. The composition isformulated to remain on the skin even after the skin has been washedwith water and soap for a period of time (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5minutes). The composition is also formulated to moisturize skin for aperiod of 24 hours. A method for moisturizing skin is also disclosedwhich uses the described compositions. The method includes topicallyapplying the composition to skin in need thereof (e.g., dry skin, flakyskin, erythemic skin, sensitive skin, etc.), wherein topical applicationof the composition moisturizes the skin. The method can includedetermining the level of skin moisturization by comparing water contentof the stratum corneum of the skin prior to topical application of thecomposition and 24 hours after topical application of the composition.24 hours post topical application is a good measuring point, as it is asufficiently long enough period to determine whether the moisturizationproperties of a given composition are effective for a prolonged periodof time (i.e., long-lasting moisturization effects). In particularaspects, the skin moisture can be increased by at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,6, 7, 8, 9, 10% or more over a 24 hour period of time. In particularinstances, the range of moisturization is between 5 to 9%, 6 to 9%, 7 to9%, or 8 to 9%.

It is also contemplated that the compositions of the present inventioncan include cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical ingredients. For instance,the compositions can include UV absorbing agents, moisturizing agents,antioxidants, structuring agents, essential oils, thickening agents,preservatives, or skin lightening agents, or any combination of suchingredients, at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and/or 8 of such ingredients,or all of such ingredients. Non-limiting examples of these ingredientsare provided throughout this specification and incorporated into thissection by reference.

Also contemplated are kits that includes the compositions of the presentinvention. In certain embodiments, the composition is comprised in acontainer. The container can be a bottle, dispenser, or package. Thecontainer can dispense a pre-determined amount of the composition. Incertain aspects, the compositions is dispensed in a spray, dollop, orliquid. The container can include indicia on its surface. The indiciacan be a word, an abbreviation, a picture, or a symbol.

Also contemplated is a product comprising a composition of the presentinvention. In non-limiting aspects, the product can be a cosmeticproduct. The cosmetic product can be those described in other sectionsof this specification or those known to a person of skill in the art.Non-limiting examples of products include a moisturizer, a cream, alotion, a skin softener, a foundation, a night cream, a lipstick, acleanser, a toner, a sunscreen, a mask, or an anti-aging product.

The compositions and methods for their use can “comprise,” “consistessentially of,” or “consist of any of the ingredients disclosedthroughout the specification. When the transitional phrase “consist(s)essentially of is used in a claim, the basic and novel characteristic ofthe claimed composition is its ability to moisturize skin for at least12 hours while also having good staying power (e.g., ability to remainon the skin after being subjected to washing of the skin—i.e., rinsingthe skin with water or with soap and water) and a cosmetically elegantfeel.

It is contemplated that any embodiment discussed in this specificationcan be implemented with respect to any method or composition of theinvention, and vice versa. Furthermore, compositions of the inventioncan be used to achieve methods of the invention.

In one embodiment, compositions of the present invention can bepharmaceutically or cosmetically elegant. “Pharmaceutically elegant”and/or “cosmetically elegant” describes a composition that hasparticular tactile properties which feel pleasant on the skin (e.g.,compositions that are not too watery or greasy, compositions that have asilky texture, compositions that are non-tacky or sticky, etc.).Pharmaceutically or cosmetically elegant can also relate to thecreaminess or lubricity properties of the composition or to the moistureretaining properties of the composition.

“Topical application” means to apply or spread a composition onto thesurface of keratinous tissue. “Topical skin composition” includescompositions suitable for topical application on keratinous tissue. Suchcompositions are typically dermatologically-acceptable in that they donot have undue toxicity, incompatibility, instability, allergicresponse, and the like, when applied to skin. Topical skin carecompositions of the present invention can have a selected viscosity toavoid significant dripping or pooling after application to skin.

“Keratinous tissue” includes keratin-containing layers disposed as theoutermost protective covering of mammals and includes, but is notlimited to, skin, hair and nails.

The terms “mixture,” “mix,” and “mixing” or any variants of these teems,when used in the claims and/or specification includes, stirring,blending, dispersing, milling, homogenizing, and other similar methods.The mixing of the components or ingredients of the disclosedcompositions can form into a solution. In other embodiments, themixtures may not form a solution. The ingredients/components can alsoexist as undissolved colloidal suspensions.

The term “about” or “approximately” are defined as being close to asunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limitingembodiment the terms are defined to be within 10%, preferably within 5%,more preferably within 1%, and most preferably within 0.5%.

The term “substantially” and its variations are defined as being largelybut not necessarily wholly what is specified as understood by one ofordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodimentsubstantially refers to ranges within 10%, within 5%, within 1%, orwithin 0.5%.

The terms “inhibiting” or “reducing” or any variation of these terms,when used in the claims and/or the specification includes any measurabledecrease or complete inhibition to achieve a desired result.

The term “effective,” as that term is used in the specification and/orclaims, means adequate to accomplish a desired, expected, or intendedresult.

Skin moisturization of treated skin (i.e., skin in which a compositionof the present invention has been applied to) and un-treated skin (i.e.,skin in which a composition of the present invention has not beenapplied to) can be determined by measuring the amount of water presentin the stratum corneum of the treated skin and un-treated skin. Aparticularly useful instrument to make this measurement is the Nova™ DPM9003 Dermal Phase Meter, which is sold by NOVA Technology Corp, andwhich is a well-known and accepted instrument in the cosmetics industryfor measuring water content in the stratum corneum of skin. By way ofexample, the water content of the stratum corneum of a test site can bedetermined prior to topical application of a composition (un-treatedskin) and subsequent to topical application of the composition (treatedskin) via the Nova™ DPM 9003 Dermal Phase Meter. This way, a base linecan be determined for un-treated skin. An acceptable period of time todetermine the moisturizing properties of the compositions of the presentinvention is after 24 hours after topical application. As shown in theExamples, the compositions of the present invention have the ability toincrease moisturization by 9% over a 24 hour period.

The use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term“comprising” in the claims and/or the specification may mean “one,” butit is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more,” “at least one,”and “one or more than one.”

The use of the term “or” in the claims is used to mean “and/or” unlessexplicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or the alternativesare mutually exclusive, although the disclosure supports a definitionthat refers to only alternatives and “and/or.”

As used in this specification and claim(s), the words “comprising” (andany foam of comprising, such as “comprise” and “comprises”), “having”(and any form of having, such as “have” and “has”), “including” (and anyform of including, such as “includes” and “include”) or “containing”(and any form of containing, such as “contains” and “contain”) areinclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecitedelements or method steps.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description. It should beunderstood, however, that the detailed description and the examples,while indicating specific embodiments of the invention, are given by wayof illustration only. Additionally, it is contemplated that changes andmodifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

In today's image conscious society, people are continually looking for aproduct that can improve the visual appearance of their skin. Forinstance, symptoms associated with dry skin (e.g., flaky skin, dried orrough tactile quality, cracked skin, dehydrated skin, itchy skin, or redor erythemic skin) is associated with unattractive skin. Previousattempts to create a composition to treat or prevent dry skin have beenmeet with numerous drawbacks ranging from compositions having unpleasanttactile properties (e.g., heavy, greasy, or sticky feel), low stayingpower (e.g., tendency to migrate and pool from point of application ortendency to be easily removed from the skin via being subjected to onlyone washing), or insufficient moisturization capabilities.

The present invention is an effective alternative to the current skinmoisturizers on the market. In one non-limiting aspect, the compositionsof the present invention include a composition comprising water, acationic surfactant, an occlusive skin conditioning agent, a humectantskin conditioning agent, and a silicone containing compound. Thiscombination of features surprising produces a dermatologicallyacceptable composition that has a cosmetically elegant feel and iscapable of moisturizing skin for at least twelve hours after topicalapplication to skin even after being subjected to multiple skinwashings. These and other aspect of the present invention are describedin further detail below.

A. Water

The skin moisturizing compositions of the present invention includewater. One of the benefits of water is that it is capable of producing acomposition having a light, non-greasy feel. An additional benefit isthat water is a natural ingredient that can hydrate the skin.

In one non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the compositionscan include relatively high amounts of water (e.g., 60 to 80% w/w ofwater). The drawback of having such a high amount of water is that itcan result in a composition that has a relatively low staying power. Theinventor has surprisingly discovered that a combination of a cationicsurfactant, an occlusive skin conditioning agent, a humectant skinconditioning agent, and a silicone containing compound along with a highamount of water can produce a composition that has good staying powerand pleasant tactile properties.

B. Cationic Surfactant

Cationic surfactants are positively charged molecules that have theability to emulsify two immiscible phases such as water and oil. One ofthe benefits of using a cationic surfactant in the context of thepresent invention is that it can help increase the staying power of thecomposition to skin, which has an overall negative charge. Non-limitingexamples of cationic surfactants that can be used in the context of thepresent invention include those listed in the International CosmeticIngredient Dictionary Handbook, 12^(th) Edition (2008), which isincorporated by reference.

In particular embodiments, the inventor discovered that cationicquaternary ammonium salts having the following generic formula workwell:

where R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄, are independently selected from an aliphaticgroup having from 1 to about 22 carbon atoms, or an aromatic, alkoxy,polyoxyalkylene, alkylamido, hydroxyalkyl, aryl or alkylaryl grouphaving 1 to about 22 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain. X⁻ is asalt-forming anion such as those selected from halogen, (e.g., chloride,bromide), acetate, citrate, lactate, glycolate, phosphate, nitrate,sulfate, and alkylsulfate. The aliphatic groups can contain, in additionto carbon and hydrogen atoms, ether linkages, ester linkages, and othergroups such as amino groups. The longer chain aliphatic groups, e.g.,those of about 12 carbons, or higher, can be saturated or unsaturated.In one embodiment, distearlyl dimethyl ammonium chloride proved to workexceptionally well in the context of the present invention, which iswidely available from commercial sources. Non-limiting examples ofadditional quaternary ammonium salts that can be used in the context ofthe present invention include those listed in PCT Publications WO97/40816 and WO 97/40817, the contents of both are incorporated byreference.

In one non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the compositionscan include about 1 to 10% w/w of a cationic surfactant such asdistearlyl dimethyl ammonium chloride. In particular aspects, theinventor discovered that 3 to 7% w/w worked well in view the relativelyhigh amount of water and the additional skin moisturizing agents andsilicone containing compounds in the composition.

C. Occlusive Skin Conditioning Agent

Occlusive skin conditioning agents include ingredients that are capableof reducing or preventing the evaporation of water from the skinsurface. By reducing or preventing such evaporation, occlusive agentsincrease the water content of the skin. Non-limiting examples ofocclusive agents that can be used in the context of the presentinvention include those listed in the International Cosmetic IngredientDictionary Handbook, 12^(th) Edition (2008), Vol. 3, pages 3263-3267,which is incorporated by reference. A non-limiting example of anocclusive agent is petrolatum.

The inventor discovered that petrolatum works well in the context of thepresent invention. Petrolatum is a semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbonsobtained from petroleum and is widely available from commercial sources.

In one non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the compositionscan include about 1 to 15% w/w of petrolatum. In particular aspects, theinventor discovered that 5 to 10% w/w worked well in view the relativelyhigh amount of water and the additional cationic surfactants,moisturizing agents, and silicone containing compounds in thecomposition.

D. Humectant Skin Conditioning Agent

Humectant skin conditioning agents include ingredients that are capableof increasing the water content of the top layers of skin by retainingwater present in the composition and also absorbing or attracting waterfrom air. Non-limiting examples of humectants that can be used in thecontext of the present invention include those listed in theInternational Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary Handbook, 12^(th) Edition(2008), Vol. 3, pages 3236-3239, which is incorporated by reference.Non-limiting examples of humectants include glycerin and propyleneglycol, both of which are widely available from commercial sources.

In one non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the compositionscan include about 1 to 20% w/w of a humectant. In particular aspects,the inventor discovered that a combination of glycerin and propyleneglycol works well in the context of the present invention in view therelatively high amount of water and the additional cationic surfactants,moisturizing agents, and silicone containing compounds in thecomposition, where glycerin is present in amount of 5 to 10% w/w andpropylene glycol is present in an amount of 3 to 7% w/w.

E. Silicone Containing Compounds

Silicone containing compounds can provide a silky, non-oily feel totopical skin care compositions. In non-limiting aspects, siliconecontaining compounds include any member of a family of polymericproducts whose molecular backbone is made up of alternating silicon andoxygen atoms with side groups attached to the silicon atoms. By varyingthe —Si—O— chain lengths, side groups, and crosslinking, silicones canbe synthesized into a wide variety of materials. They can vary inconsistency from liquid to gel to solids.

The silicone containing compounds that can be used in the context of thepresent invention include those described in this specification or thoseknown to a person of ordinary skill in the art. Non-limiting examplesinclude silicone oils (e.g., volatile and non-volatile oils), gels, andsolids. In certain aspects, the silicon containing compounds includes asilicone oils such as a polyorganosiloxane. Non-limiting examples ofpolyorganosiloxanes include dimethicone, cyclomethicone,polysilicone-11, phenyl trimethicone, trimethylsilylamodimethicone,stearoxytrimethylsilane, or mixtures of these and other organosiloxanematerials in any given ratio in order to achieve the desired consistencyand application characteristics depending upon the intended application(e.g., to a particular area such as the skin, hair, or eyes). A“volatile silicone oil” includes a silicone oil have a low heat ofvaporization, i.e. normally less than about 50 cal per gram of siliconeoil. Non-limiting examples of volatile silicone oils include:cyclomethicones such as Dow Corning 344 Fluid, Dow Corning 345 Fluid,Dow Corning 244 Fluid, and Dow Corning 245 Fluid, Volatile Silicon 7207(Union Carbide Corp., Danbury, Conn.); low viscosity dimethicones, i.e.dimethicones having a viscosity of about 50 cst or less (e.g.,dimethicones such as Dow Corning 200-0.5 cst Fluid). The Dow CorningFluids are available from Dow Corning Corporation, Midland, Mich.Cyclomethicone and dimethicone are described in the Third Edition of theCTFA Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary (incorporated by reference) ascyclic dimethyl polysiloxane compounds and a mixture of fully methylatedlinear siloxane polymers end-blocked with trimethylsiloxy units,respectively. Other non-limiting volatile silicone oils that can be usedin the context of the present invention include those available fromGeneral Electric Co., Silicone Products Div., Waterford, N.Y. and SWSSilicones Div. of Stauffer Chemical Co., Adrian, Mich.

In one non-limiting aspect of the present invention, the compositionscan include about 0.1 to 2% w/w of a silicone containing compound. Inparticular aspects, the inventor discovered that dimethicone incombination with the cationic surfactant, the moisturizing agents, andthe relatively high amount of water worked well in the context of thepresent invention.

F. Compositions of the Present Invention

While particular embodiments and amounts are described throughout thisspecification, it is contemplated that the compositions of the presentinvention can include water, cationic surfactants, occlusive agents,humectants, and silicone containing compounds can be included in anycombination and any amount. Additionally, the compositions can includeany number of combinations of additional ingredients describedthroughout this specification. The concentrations of the any ingredientwithin the compositions can vary. In non-limiting embodiments, forexample, the compositions can comprise, consisting essentially of, orconsist of, in their final form, for example, at least about 0.0001%,0.0002%, 0.0003%, 0.0004%, 0.0005%, 0.0006%, 0.0007%, 0.0008%, 0.0009%,0.0010%, 0.0011%, 0.0012%, 0.0013%, 0.0014%, 0.0015%, 0.0016%, 0.0017%,0.0018%, 0.0019%, 0.0020%, 0.0021%, 0.0022%, 0.0023%, 0.0024%, 0.0025%,0.0026%, 0.0027%, 0.0028%, 0.0029%, 0.0030%, 0.0031%, 0.0032%, 0.0033%,0.0034%, 0.0035%, 0.0036%, 0.0037%, 0.0038%, 0.0039%, 0.0040%, 0.0041%,0.0042%, 0.0043%, 0.0044%, 0.0045%, 0.0046%, 0.0047%, 0.0048%, 0.0049%,0.0050%, 0.0051%, 0.0052%, 0.0053%, 0.0054%, 0.0055%, 0.0056%, 0.0057%,0.0058%, 0.0059%, 0.0060%, 0.0061%, 0.0062%, 0.0063%, 0.0064%, 0.0065%,0.0066%, 0.0067%, 0.0068%, 0.0069%, 0.0070%, 0.0071%, 0.0072%, 0.0073%,0.0074%, 0.0075%, 0.0076%, 0.0077%, 0.0078%, 0.0079%, 0.0080%, 0.0081%,0.0082%, 0.0083%, 0.0084%, 0.0085%, 0.0086%, 0.0087%, 0.0088%, 0.0089%,0.0090%, 0.0091%, 0.0092%, 0.0093%, 0.0094%, 0.0095%, 0.0096%, 0.0097%,0.0098%, 0.0099%, 0.0100%, 0.0200%, 0.0250%, 0.0275%, 0.0300%, 0.0325%,0.0350%, 0.0375%, 0.0400%, 0.0425%, 0.0450%, 0.0475%, 0.0500%, 0.0525%,0.0550%, 0.0575%, 0.0600%, 0.0625%, 0.0650%, 0.0675%, 0.0700%, 0.0725%,0.0750%, 0.0775%, 0.0800%, 0.0825%, 0.0850%, 0.0875%, 0.0900%, 0.0925%,0.0950%, 0.0975%, 0.1000%, 0.1250%, 0.1500%, 0.1750%, 0.2000%, 0.2250%,0.2500%, 0.2750%, 0.3000%, 0.3250%, 0.3500%, 0.3750%, 0.4000%, 0.4250%,0.4500%, 0.4750%, 0.5000%, 0.5250%, 0.0550%, 0.5750%, 0.6000%, 0.6250%,0.6500%, 0.6750%, 0.7000%, 0.7250%, 0.7500%, 0.7750%, 0.8000%, 0.8250%,0.8500%, 0.8750%, 0.9000%, 0.9250%, 0.9500%, 0.9750%, 1.0%, 1.1%, 1.2%,1.3%, 1.4%, 1.5%, 1.6%, 1.7%, 1.8%, 1.9%, 2.0%, 2.1%, 2.2%, 2.3%, 2.4%,2.5%, 2.6%, 2.7%, 2.8%, 2.9%, 3.0%, 3.1%, 3.2%, 3.3%, 3.4%, 3.5%, 3.6%,3.7%, 3.8%, 3.9%, 4.0%, 4.1%, 4.2%, 4.3%, 4.4%, 4.5%, 4.6%, 4.7%, 4.8%,4.9%, 5.0%, 5.1%, 5.2%, 5.3%, 5.4%, 5.5%, 5.6%, 5.7%, 5.8%, 5.9%, 6.0%,6.1%, 6.2%, 6.3%, 6.4%, 6.5%, 6.6%, 6.7%, 6.8%, 6.9%, 7.0%, 7.1%, 7.2%,7.3%, 7.4%, 7.5%, 7.6%, 7.7%, 7.8%, 7.9%, 8.0%, 8.1%, 8.2%, 8.3%, 8.4%,8.5%, 8.6%, 8.7%, 8.8%, 8.9%, 9.0%, 9.1%, 9.2%, 9.3%, 9.4%, 9.5%, 9.6%,9.7%, 9.8%, 9.9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%,21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%,60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 99% or any range derivabletherein, of at least one of the water, cationic surfactants, occlusiveagents, humectants, silicone containing compounds, and additionalingredients that are mentioned throughout the specification and claims.In non-limiting aspects, the percentage can be calculated by weight orvolume of the total composition. A person of ordinary skill in the artwould understand that the concentrations can vary depending on theaddition, substitution, and/or subtraction of ingredients in a givencomposition.

The disclosed compositions of the present invention may also includevarious antioxidants to retard oxidation of one or more components.Additionally, the prevention of the action of microorganisms can bebrought about by preservatives such as various antibacterial andantifungal agents, including but not limited to parabens (e.g.,methylparabens, propylparabens), chlorobutanol, phenol, sorbic acid,thimerosal or combinations thereof.

G. Vehicles

The compositions of the present invention can be incorporated into alltypes of cosmetically and dermatologically acceptable vehicles.Non-limiting examples of suitable vehicles include emulsions (e.g.,water-in-oil, water-in-oil-in-water, oil-in-water, silicone-in-water,water-in-silicone, oil-in-water-in-oil, oil-in-water-in-siliconeemulsions), creams, lotions, solutions (both aqueous andhydro-alcoholic), anhydrous bases (such as lipsticks and powders), gels,and ointments or by other method or any combination of the forgoing aswould be known to one of ordinary skill in the art (Remington's, 1990).Variations and other appropriate vehicles will be apparent to theskilled artisan and are appropriate for use in the present invention. Incertain aspects, it is important that the concentrations andcombinations of the compounds, ingredients, and agents be selected insuch a way that the combinations are chemically compatible and do notform complexes which precipitate from the finished product.

It is also contemplated that ingredients identified throughout thisspecification, including but not limited to cationic surfactants,occlusive agents, humectants, or silicone containing compounds, or anycombination thereof, can be individually or combinatorially encapsulatedfor delivery to a target area such as skin. Non-limiting examples ofencapsulation techniques include the use of liposomes, vesicles, and/ornanoparticles (e.g., biodegradable and non-biodegradable colloidalparticles comprising polymeric materials in which the ingredient istrapped, encapsulated, and/or absorbed—examples include nanospheres andnanocapsules) that can be used as delivery vehicles to deliver theingredient to skin (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,387,398; U.S. Pat. No.6,203,802; U.S. Pat. No. 5,411,744; Kreuter 1998).

H. Cosmetic Products and Articles of Manufacture

The composition of the present invention can also be used in manycosmetic products including, but not limited to, moisturizing creams orlotions (e.g., hand creams or lotions, face creams or lotions, neck anddécolleté creams or lotions, body creams or lotions, etc.), sunscreenproducts, sunless skin tanning products, hair products, finger nailproducts, softeners, day lotions, gels, ointments, foundations, nightcreams, lipsticks, cleansers, toners, masks, skin-whiteners/brighteners,or other known cosmetic products or applications. Additionally, thecosmetic products can be formulated as leave-on or rinse-off products.In certain aspects, the compositions of the present invention arestand-alone products.

I. Additional Ingredients

In addition to the water, cationic surfactants, occlusive agents,humectants, and silicone containing compounds disclosed throughout thisspecification, compositions of the present invention can includeadditional ingredients such as cosmetic ingredients and pharmaceuticalactive ingredients. Non-limiting examples of these additionalingredients are described in the following subsections.

1. Cosmetic Ingredients

The CTFA International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook (2004and 2008) describes a wide variety of non-limiting cosmetic ingredientsthat can be used in the context of the present invention. Examples ofthese ingredient classes include: fragrances (artificial and natural),dyes and color ingredients (e.g., Blue 1, Blue 1 Lake, Red 40, titaniumdioxide, D&C blue no. 4, D&C green no. 5, D&C orange no. 4, D&C red no.17, D&C red no. 33, D&C violet no. 2, D&C yellow no. 10, and D&C yellowno. 11), adsorbents, lubricants, solvents, moisturizers (including,e.g., emollients, film formers, and agents that affect the naturalmoisturization mechanisms of the skin), water-repellants, UV absorbers(physical and chemical absorbers such as paraaminobenzoic acid (“PABA”)and corresponding PABA derivatives, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, etc.),essential oils, vitamins (e.g. A, B, C, D, E, and K), trace metals (e.g.zinc, calcium and selenium), anti-irritants (e.g. steroids andnon-steroidal anti-inflammatories), botanical extracts (e.g. aloe vera,chamomile, cucumber extract, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, and rosemary),anti-microbial agents, antioxidants (e.g., BHT and tocopherol),chelating agents (e.g., disodium EDTA and tetrasodium EDTA),preservatives (e.g., methylparaben and propylparaben), pH adjusters(e.g., sodium hydroxide and citric acid), absorbents (e.g., aluminumstarch octenylsuccinate, kaolin, corn starch, oat starch, cyclodextrin,talc, and zeolite), skin bleaching and lightening agents (e.g.,hydroquinone and niacinamide lactate), humectants (e.g., sorbitol, urea,and manitol), exfoliants, waterproofing agents (e.g., magnesium/aluminumhydroxide stearate), skin conditioning agents (e.g., aloe extracts,allantoin, bisabolol, ceramides, dimethicone, hyaluronic acid, anddipotassium glycyrrhizate). Non-limiting examples of some of theseingredients are provided in the following subsections.

a. UV Absorption Agents

UV absorption agents that can be used in combination with thecompositions of the present invention include chemical and physicalsunblocks. Non-limiting examples of chemical sunblocks that can be usedinclude para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), PABA esters (glyceryl PABA,amyldimethyl PABA and octyldimethyl PABA), butyl PABA, ethyl PABA, ethyldihydroxypropyl PABA, benzophenones (oxybenzone, sulisobenzone,benzophenone, and benzophenone-1 through 12), cinnamates (and octylmethoxycinnamate, isoamyl p-methoxycinnamate, octylmethoxy cinnamate,cinoxate, diisopropyl methyl cinnamate, DEA-methoxycinnamate, ethyldiisopropylcinnamate, glyceryl octanoate dimethoxycinnamate and ethylmethoxycinnamate), cinnamate esters, salicylates (homomethyl salicylate,benzyl salicylate, glycol salicylate, isopropylbenzyl salicylate, etc.),anthranilates, ethyl urocanate, homosalate, dibenzoylmethane derivatives(e.g., avobenzone), octocrylene, etc. Non-limiting examples of physicalsunblocks include, kaolin, talc, petrolatum and metal oxides (e.g.,titanium dioxide and zinc oxide).

b. Moisturizing Agents

Non-limiting examples of moisturizing agents that can be used with thecompositions of the present invention include amino acids, chondroitinsulfate, diglycerin, erythritol, fructose, glucose, glycerin, glycerolpolymers, glycol, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, honey, hyaluronic acid,hydrogenated honey, hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, inositol, lactitol,maltitol, maltose, mannitol, natural moisturizing factor, PEG-15butanediol, polyglyceryl sorbitol, salts of pyrollidone carboxylic acid,potassium PCA, propylene glycol, sodium glucuronate, sodium PCA,sorbitol, sucrose, trehalose, urea, and xylitol.

Other examples include acetylated lanolin, acetylated lanolin alcohol,alanine, algae extract, aloe barbadensis, aloe-barbadensis extract, aloebarbadensis gel, althea officinalis extract, apricot (prunus armeniaca)kernel oil, arginine, arginine aspartate, arnica montana extract,aspartic acid, avocado (persea gratissima) oil, barrier sphingolipids,butyl alcohol, beeswax, behenyl alcohol, beta-sitosterol, birch (betulaalba) bark extract, borage (borago officinalis) extract, butcherbroom(ruscus aculeatus) extract, butylene glycol, calendula officinalisextract, calendula officinalis oil, candelilla (euphorbia cerifera) wax,canola oil, caprylic/capric triglyceride, cardamon (elettariacardamomum) oil, carnauba (copernicia cerifera) wax, carrot (daucuscarota sativa) oil, castor (ricinus communis) oil, ceramides, ceresin,ceteareth-5, ceteareth-12, ceteareth-20, cetearyl octanoate, ceteth-20,ceteth-24, cetyl acetate, cetyl octanoate, cetyl palmitate, chamomile(anthemis nobilis) oil, cholesterol, cholesterol esters, cholesterylhydroxystearate, citric acid, clary (salvia sclarea) oil, cocoa(theobroma cacao) butter, coco-caprylate/caprate, coconut (cocosnucifera) oil, collagen, collagen amino acids, corn (zea mays) oil,fatty acids, decyl oleate, dimethicone copolyol, dimethiconol, dioctyladipate, dioctyl succinate, dipentaerythrityl hexacaprylate/hexacaprate,DNA, erythritol, ethoxydiglycol, ethyl linoleate, eucalyptus globulusoil, evening primrose (oenothera biennis) oil, fatty acids, geraniummaculatum oil, glucosamine, glucose glutamate, glutamic acid,glycereth-26, glycerin, glycerol, glyceryl distearate, glycerylhydroxystearate, glyceryl laurate, glyceryl linoleate, glycerylmyristate, glyceryl oleate, glyceryl stearate, glyceryl stearate SE,glycine, glycol stearate, glycol stearate SE, glycosaminoglycans, grape(vitis vinifera) seed oil, hazel (corylus americana) nut oil, hazel(corylus avellana) nut oil, hexylene glycol, hyaluronic acid, hybridsafflower (carthamus tinctorius) oil, hydrogenated castor oil,hydrogenated coco-glycerides, hydrogenated coconut oil, hydrogenatedlanolin, hydrogenated lecithin, hydrogenated palm glyceride,hydrogenated palm kernel oil, hydrogenated soybean oil, hydrogenatedtallow glyceride, hydrogenated vegetable oil, hydrolyzed collagen,hydrolyzed elastin, hydrolyzed glycosaminoglycans, hydrolyzed keratin,hydrolyzed soy protein, hydroxylated lanolin, hydroxyproline, isocetylstearate, isocetyl stearoyl stearate, isodecyl oleate, isopropylisostearate, isopropyl lanolate, isopropyl myristate, isopropylpalmitate, isopropyl stearate, isostearamide DEA, isostearic acid,isostearyl lactate, isostearyl neopentanoate, jasmine (jasminumofficinale) oil, jojoba (buxus chinensis) oil, kelp, kukui (aleuritesmoluccana) nut oil, lactamide MEA, laneth-16, laneth-10 acetate,lanolin, lanolin acid, lanolin alcohol, lanolin oil, lanolin wax,lavender (lavandula angustifolia) oil, lecithin, lemon (citrus medicalimonum) oil, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, macadamia ternifolia nutoil, maltitol, matricaria (chamomilla recutita) oil, methyl glucosesesquistearate, methylsilanol PCA, mineral oil, mink oil, mortierellaoil, myristyl lactate, myristyl myristate, myristyl propionate,neopentyl glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate, octyldodecanol, octyldodecylmyristate, octyldodecyl stearoyl stearate, octyl hydroxystearate, octylpalmitate, octyl salicylate, octyl stearate, oleic acid, olive (oleaeuropaea) oil, orange (citrus aurantium dulcis) oil, palm (elaeisguineensis) oil, palmitic acid, pantethine, panthenol, panthenyl ethylether, paraffin, PCA, peach (prunus persica) kernel oil, peanut (arachishypogaea) oil, PEG-8 C12-18 ester, PEG-15 cocamine, PEG-150 distearate,PEG-60 glyceryl isostearate, PEG-5 glyceryl stearate, PEG-30 glycerylstearate, PEG-7 hydrogenated castor oil, PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil,PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil, PEG-20 methyl glucose sesquistearate,PEG40 sorbitan peroleate, PEG-5 soy sterol, PEG-10 soy sterol, PEG-2stearate, PEG-8 stearate, PEG-20 stearate, PEG-32 stearate, PEG40stearate, PEG-50 stearate, PEG-100 stearate, PEG-150 stearate,pentadecalactone, peppermint (mentha piperita) oil, petrolatum,phospholipids, polyamino sugar condensate, polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate,polyquaternium-24, polysorbate 20, polysorbate 40, polysorbate 60,polysorbate 80, polysorbate 85, potassium myristate, potassiumpalmitate, propylene glycol, propylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate,propylene glycol dioctanoate, propylene glycol dipelargonate, propyleneglycol laurate, propylene glycol stearate, propylene glycol stearate SE,PVP, pyridoxine dipalmitate, retinol, retinyl palmitate, rice (oryzasativa) bran oil, RNA, rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis) oil, rose oil,safflower (carthamus tinctorius) oil, sage (salvia officinalis) oil,sandalwood (santalum album) oil, serine, serum protein, sesame (sesamumindicum) oil, shea butter (butyrospermum parkii), silk powder, sodiumchondroitin sulfate, sodium hyaluronate, sodium lactate, sodiumpalmitate, sodium PCA, sodium polyglutamate, soluble collagen, sorbitanlaurate, sorbitan oleate, sorbitan palmitate, sorbitan sesquioleate,sorbitan stearate, sorbitol, soybean (glycine soja) oil, sphingolipids,squalane, squalene, stearamide MEA-stearate, stearic acid, stearoxydimethicone, stearoxytrimethylsilane, stearyl alcohol, stearylglycyrrhetinate, stearyl heptanoate, stearyl stearate, sunflower(helianthus annuus) seed oil, sweet almond (prunus amygdalus dulcis)oil, synthetic beeswax, tocopherol, tocopheryl acetate, tocopheryllinoleate, tribehenin, tridecyl neopentanoate, tridecyl stearate,triethanolamine, tristearin, urea, vegetable oil, water, waxes, wheat(triticum vulgare) germ oil, and ylang ylang (cananga odorata) oil.

c. Antioxidants

Non-limiting examples of antioxidants that can be used with thecompositions of the present invention include acetyl cysteine, ascorbicacid polypeptide, ascorbyl dipalmitate, ascorbyl methylsilanolpectinate, ascorbyl palmitate, ascorbyl stearate, BHA, BHT, t-butylhydroquinone, cysteine, cysteine HCI, diamylhydroquinone,di-t-butylhydroquinone, dicetyl thiodipropionate, dioleyl tocopherylmethylsilanol, disodium ascorbyl sulfate, distearyl thiodipropionate,ditridecyl thiodipropionate, dodecyl gallate, erythorbic acid, esters ofascorbic acid, ethyl ferulate, ferulic acid, gallic acid esters,hydroquinone, isooctyl thioglycolate, kojic acid, magnesium ascorbate,magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, methylsilanol ascorbate, natural botanicalanti-oxidants such as green tea or grape seed extracts,nordihydroguaiaretic acid, octyl gallate, phenylthioglycolic acid,potassium ascorbyl tocopheryl phosphate, potassium sulfite, propylgallate, quinones, rosmarinic acid, sodium ascorbate, sodium bisulfite,sodium erythorbate, sodium metabisulfite, sodium sulfite, superoxidedismutase, sodium thioglycolate, sorbityl furfural, thiodiglycol,thiodiglycolamide, thiodiglycolic acid, thioglycolic acid, thiolacticacid, thiosalicylic acid, tocophereth-5, tocophereth-10, tocophereth-12,tocophereth-18, tocophereth-50, tocopherol, tocophersolan, tocopherylacetate, tocopheryl linoleate, tocopheryl nicotinate, tocopherylsuccinate, and tris(nonylphenyl)phosphite.

d. Structuring Agents

In other non-limiting aspects, the compositions of the present inventioncan include a structuring agent. Structuring agent, in certain aspects,assist in providing rheological characteristics to the composition tocontribute to the composition's stability. In other aspects, structuringagents can also function as an emulsifier or surfactant. Non-limitingexamples of structuring agents include stearic acid, palmitic acid,stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, stearic acid, palmiticacid, the polyethylene glycol ether of stearyl alcohol having an averageof about 1 to about 21 ethylene oxide units, the polyethylene glycolether of cetyl alcohol having an average of about 1 to about 5 ethyleneoxide units, and mixtures thereof.

e. Essential Oils

Essential oils include oils derived from herbs, flowers, trees, andother plants. Such oils are typically present as tiny droplets betweenthe plant's cells, and can be extracted by several method known to thoseof skill in the art (e.g., steam distilled, enfleurage (i.e., extractionby using fat), maceration, solvent extraction, or mechanical pressing).When these types of oils are exposed to air they tend to evaporate(i.e., a volatile oil). As a result, many essential oils are colorless,but with age they can oxidize and become darker. Essential oils areinsoluble in water and are soluble in alcohol, ether, fixed oils(vegetal), and other organic solvents. Typical physical characteristicsfound in essential oils include boiling points that vary from about 160°to 240° C. and densities ranging from about 0.759 to about 1.096.

Essential oils typically are named by the plant from which the oil isfound. For example, rose oil or peppermint oil are derived from rose orpeppermint plants, respectively. Non-limiting examples of essential oilsthat can be used in the context of the present invention include sesameoil, macadamia nut oil, tea tree oil, evening primrose oil, Spanish sageoil, Spanish rosemary oil, coriander oil, thyme oil, pimento berriesoil, rose oil, anise oil, balsam oil, bergamot oil, rosewood oil, cedaroil, chamomile oil, sage oil, clary sage oil, clove oil, cypress oil,eucalyptus oil, fennel oil, sea fennel oil, frankincense oil, geraniumoil, ginger oil, grapefruit oil, jasmine oil, juniper oil, lavender oil,lemon oil, lemongrass oil, lime oil, mandarin oil, marjoram oil, myrrhoil, neroli oil, orange oil, patchouli oil, pepper oil, black pepperoil, petitgrain oil, pine oil, rose otto oil, rosemary oil, sandalwoodoil, spearmint oil, spikenard oil, vetiver oil, wintergreen oil, orylang ylang. Other essential oils known to those of skill in the art arealso contemplated as being useful within the context of the presentinvention.

f. Thickening Agents

Thickening agents, including thickener or gelling agents, includesubstances which that can increase the viscosity of a composition.Thickeners includes those that can increase the viscosity of acomposition without substantially modifying the efficacy of the activeingredient within the composition. Thickeners can also increase thestability of the compositions of the present invention. In certainaspects of the present invention, thickeners include hydrogenatedpolyisobutene or trihydroxystearin, or a mixture of both.

Non-limiting examples of additional thickening agents that can be usedin the context of the present invention include carboxylic acidpolymers, crosslinked polyacrylate polymers, polyacrylamide polymers,polysaccharides, and gums. Examples of carboxylic acid polymers includecrosslinked compounds containing one or more monomers derived fromacrylic acid, substituted acrylic acids, and salts and esters of theseacrylic acids and the substituted acrylic acids, wherein thecrosslinking agent contains two or more carbon-carbon double bonds andis derived from a polyhydric alcohol (see U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,087,445;4,509,949; 2,798,053; CTFA International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary,Fourth edition, 1991, pp. 12 and 80). Examples of commercially availablecarboxylic acid polymers include carbomers, which are homopolymers ofacrylic acid crosslinked with allyl ethers of sucrose or pentaerytritol(e.g., Carbopol™ 900 series from B. F. Goodrich).

Non-limiting examples of crosslinked polyacrylate polymers includecationic and nonionic polymers. Examples are described in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,100,660; 4,849,484; 4,835,206; 4,628,078; 4,599,379).

Non-limiting examples of polyacrylamide polymers (including nonionicpolyacrylamide polymers including substituted branched or unbranchedpolymers) include polyacrylamide, isoparaffin and laureth-7, multi-blockcopolymers of acrylamides and substituted acrylamides with acrylic acidsand substituted acrylic acids.

Non-limiting examples of polysaccharides include cellulose,carboxymethyl hydroxyethylcellulose, cellulose acetate propionatecarboxylate, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxyethyl ethylcellulose,hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, methylhydroxyethylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium cellulosesulfate, and mixtures thereof Another example is an alkyl substitutedcellulose where the hydroxy groups of the cellulose polymer ishydroxyalkylated (preferably hydroxy ethylated or hydroxypropylated) toform a hydroxyalkylated cellulose which is then further modified with aC₁₀-C₃₀ straight chain or branched chain alkyl group through an etherlinkage. Typically these polymers are ethers of C₁₀-C₃₀ straight orbranched chain alcohols with hydroxyalkylcelluloses. Other usefulpolysaccharides include scleroglucans comprising a linear chain of (1-3)linked glucose units with a (1-6) linked glucose every three unit.

Non-limiting examples of gums that can be used with the presentinvention include acacia, agar, algin, alginic acid, ammonium alginate,amylopectin, calcium alginate, calcium carrageenan, carnitine,carrageenan, dextrin, gelatin, gellan gum, guar gum, guarhydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, hectorite, hyaluroinic acid, hydratedsilica, hydroxypropyl chitosan, hydroxypropyl guar, karaya gum, kelp,locust bean gum, natto gum, potassium alginate, potassium carrageenan,propylene glycol alginate, sclerotium gum, sodium carboyxmethyl dextran,sodium carrageenan, tragacanth gum, xanthan gum, and mixtures thereof.

g. Preservatives

Non-limiting examples of preservatives that can be used in the contextof the present invention include quaternary ammonium preservatives suchas polyquaternium-1 and benzalkonium halides (e.g., benzalkoniumchloride (“BAC”) and benzalkonium bromide), parabens (e.g.,methylparabens and propylparabens), phenoxyethanol, benzyl alcohol,chlorobutanol, phenol, sorbic acid, thimerosal or combinations thereof.

h. Skin Lightening Agents

Non-limiting examples of skin lightening agents that can be used in thecontext of the present invention include dipotassium glycyrrhizate,ascorbyl glucoside, niacinamide, hydroquinone, or combination thereof.

2. Pharmaceutical Ingredients

Pharmaceutical active agents are also contemplated as being useful withthe compositions of the present invention. Non-limiting examples ofpharmaceutical active agents include anti-acne agents, agents used totreat rosacea, analgesics, anesthetics, anorectals, antihistamines,anti-inflammatory agents including non-steroidal anti-inflammatorydrugs, antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, antimicrobials, anti-canceractives, scabicides, pediculicides, antineoplastics, antiperspirants,antipruritics, antipsoriatic agents, antiseborrheic agents, biologicallyactive proteins and peptides, burn treatment agents, cauterizing agents,depigmenting agents, depilatories, diaper rash treatment agents,enzymes, hair growth stimulants, hair growth retardants including DFMOand its salts and analogs, hemostatics, kerotolytics, canker soretreatment agents, cold sore treatment agents, dental and periodontaltreatment agents, photosensitizing actives, skin protectant/barrieragents, steroids including hormones and corticosteroids, sunburntreatment agents, sunscreens, transdermal actives, nasal actives,vaginal actives, wart treatment agents, wound treatment agents, woundhealing agents, etc.

J. Kits

Kits are also contemplated as being used in certain aspects of thepresent invention. For instance, compositions of the present inventioncan be included in a kit. A kit can include a container. Containers caninclude a bottle, a metal tube, a laminate tube, a plastic tube, adispenser, a pressurized container, a barrier container, a package, acompartment, a lipstick container, a compact container, cosmetic pansthat can hold cosmetic compositions, or other types of containers suchas injection or blow-molded plastic containers into which thedispersions or compositions or desired bottles, dispensers, or packagesare retained. The kit and/or container can include indicia on itssurface. The indicia, for example, can be a word, a phrase, anabbreviation, a picture, or a symbol.

The containers can dispense a pre-determined amount of the composition.In other embodiments, the container can be squeezed (e.g., metal,laminate, or plastic tube) to dispense a desired amount of thecomposition. The composition can be dispensed as a spray, an aerosol, aliquid, a fluid, or a semi-solid. The containers can have spray, pump,or squeeze mechanisms. A kit can also include instructions for employingthe kit components as well the use of any other compositions included inthe container. Instructions can include an explanation of how to apply,use, and maintain the compositions.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are included to demonstrate certain non-limitingaspects of the invention. It should be appreciated by those of skill inthe art that the techniques disclosed in the examples which followrepresent techniques discovered by the inventor to function well in thepractice of the invention. However, those of skill in the art should, inlight of the present disclosure, appreciate that many changes can bemade in the specific embodiments which are disclosed and still obtain alike or similar result without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention.

Example 1 Non-Limiting Product Formulation

A non-limiting composition formulated as an oil-in water emulsion isdescribed in Table 1.

TABLE 1 % Concentration Ingredient (by weight) Water q.s. to 100%Petrolatum 7.000 Glycerin 6.965 Distearyldimethyl Ammonium Chloride5.000 Propylene Glycol 5.000 C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate 2.500 Cetyl Alcohol2.000 Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride 2.000 Dimethicone 0.500 DiazolidinylUrea 0.300 Tocopheryl Acetate 0.250 Methylparaben 0.200 Disodium EDTA0.100 Allantoin 0.080 Sodium Chloride 0.050 Triethanolamine 0.025

The composition described in Table 1 was prepared via standard mixing,heating, and cooling steps. Table 2 provides reference to this processvia the different phases used during the manufacturing process.

TABLE 2 % Concentration Phase Ingredient (by weight) A C12-15 AlkylBenzoate 2.5000 Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride 2.0000 DistearyldimethylAmmonium Chloride 5.0000 Tocopheryl Acetate 0.2500 Petrolatum 7.0000Cetyl Alcohol 2.0000 B Water 65.995 Disodium EDTA 0.1000 Sodium Chloride0.0500 Glycerin 7.0000 Propylene Glycol 5.0000 Allantoin 0.0800Methylparaben 0.2000 C Triethanolamine 0.0250 Water 1.0000 D Dimethicone0.5000 E Diazolidinyl Urea 0.3000 Water 1.0000 TOTAL 100.00

The phase A ingredients include the oil-phase of the oil-in-wateremulsion described in Table 1. The manufacturing process included: Addedphase A ingredients into a main vessel while mixing and heating toapproximately 85° C. for approximately 25 minutes. Added theDistearyldimethyl Ammonium Chloride in two separate parts (2.5 w/w foreach) to avoid clumping while adding the phase A ingredients. Withrespect to phase B, premixed Glycerin and Propylene Glycol and ¼ of thewater (heated) in separate container. Added 2/4 of the water (heated) tothe main vessel while mixing. Added Disodium EDTA, Sodium Chloride,Allantoin, and Methylparaben to the main vessel while mixing. Added thepremixed ingredients into main vessel while mixing. Continued mixinguntil the batch is free of un-dispersed particles. Then added remaining¼ of water (heated) to main vessel and continued mixing forapproximately 15 minutes and cooled batch to approximately 82° C.Premixed the phase C ingredients and added to batch while graduallycooling the batch to approximately 33° C. Added the phase D ingredientwhen the batch reached a temperature of approximately 56° C. withmixing. Premixed the phase E ingredients and added to the batch when thebatch reached a temperature of approximately 45° C. When the batchreached approximately 33° C. mixing stopped. Batch was homogenous, whichindicates that a stable oil-in-water emulsion was formed. The viscosityof the emulsion in Table 2 was consistently between 75,000 and 100,000cps, as measured on a Brookfield Viscometer using a TC spindle at 2.5rpm at 25° C.

Example 2 Skin Moisturization Study

The composition described above in Table 1 was studied to determine itsskin moisturization capabilities over a twenty-four (24) hour period.Twenty-eight (28) healthy adults were enrolled in and completed thestudy. This study required two visits to the testing facility. Panelistsequilibrated to the testing environment for 5 minutes prior to each timepoint reading. Panelists had one 2×2 cm test site marked on each volarforearm. A baseline moisture reading of each test site was taken using aNova™ DPM 9003 Dermal Phase Meter, which measures impedance-basedcapacitance readings by using varying frequencies of the appliedalternating current. The Nova™ DPM 9003 measures the relative watercontent of the stratum corneum. One test site had the test productapplied and the other site was left untreated. The product test siteswere randomized over the entire population. The measurements wererepeated twenty-four (24) hours after product application. Statisticalcomparisons for mean percent change from baseline were analyzed by anindependent statistician.

Table 3 provides a summary of the results:

TABLE 3 (% Increase in Moisture Over a Twenty-Four Hour Period) 24 HoursSkin Treated with Table 1 Composition 9%* Untreated Skin 0%  Treated vsUntreated p-value <0.001 *Significant at 95% confidence level comparedto baseline

The data in Table 3 shows that the Table 1 composition increased themoisturization of skin by approximately 9% over a twenty-four (24) hourperiod.

Example 3 Subjective Study for Tactile Properties and Efficacy

A home use test for the Table 1 composition was conducted among 195respondents with 187 completing a telephone call back interview. 130 ofthe respondents were women, and 57 were men. The respondents weredirected to use the Table 1 composition over a 10 day trial period asneeded. After the 10 day usage period, the respondents were asked toprovide their opinions of the Table 1 composition in response tomultiple questions. A summary of the responses are provided below inTable 4:

TABLE 4 % Agree % Agree Questions (Male) (Female) Texture/Feel Feelssmooth 100 98 Feels moisturizing 98 97 Feels soft 97 95 Feels silky 9589 Feels satiny 93 87 Feels rich 89 87 Feels emollient 90 86 Feelsluxurious 82 85 Application Moisturizes hands 98 95 Restores moisture toskin 98 95 Softens hands 98 94 Leaves hands feeling comfortable 97 93Nourishes skin 95 94 Instantly leaves hands feeling moisturized 96 93Does not leave hands feeling sticky 90 94 or tacky Soothes hands 95 92Provides instant hydration 96 91 Provides instant relief for dry hands93 93 Massages easily into hands 91 93 Instantly leaves hands feelingsmooth 98 90 Pampers hands 91 91 Renews suppleness 93 91 Leaves handsfeeling silky 93 89 Does not feel oily or greasy during 91 87application Has pleasant scent 89 88 Restores suppleness 89 87 Leaves aprotective layer on hands 89 86 Has a satin after feel 89 85 Has aneutral scent 88 84 Absorbs quickly 86 82 Wear Is suitable for hands 9792 Provides long-lasting softness 95 90 Does not leave an oily greasyafter-feel 90 90 Is long lasting 90 89 Leaves hands feeling moisturizedfor hours 89 89 Works like an invisible glove to fight 93 86 dryness andConditions hands for hours 86 86 Hands feel moist at the end of the day88 84 Composition lasts through multiple hand 83 77 washings Compositionlasts through several hand 80 76 washings

Example 4 Prophetic Examples

Additional efficacy data points of compositions of the presentinventions can be determined by methods known to those of ordinary skillin the art. The following are non-limiting procedures that can be usedin the context of the present invention. It should be recognized thatother testing procedures can be used, including, for example, objectiveand subjective procedures.

Skin moisture/hydration can be measured by using impedance measurementswith the Nova Dermal Phase Meter. The impedance meter measures changesin skin moisture content. The outer layer of the skin has distinctelectrical properties. When skin is dry it conducts electricity verypoorly. As it becomes more hydrated increasing conductivity results.Consequently, changes in skin impedance (related to conductivity) can beused to assess changes in skin hydration. The unit can be calibratedaccording to instrument instructions for each testing day. A notation oftemperature and relative humidity can also be made. Subjects can beevaluated as follows : prior to measurement they can equilibrate in aroom with defined humidity (e.g., 30-50%) and temperature (e.g., 68-72C°). Three separate impedance readings can be taken on each side of theface, recorded, and averaged. The T5 setting can be used on theimpedance meter which averages the impedance values of every fiveseconds application to the face. Changes can be reported withstatistical variance and significance.

Skin clarity and the reduction in freckles and age spots can beevaluated using a Minolta Chromometer. Changes in skin color can beassessed to determine irritation potential due to product treatmentusing the a* values of the Minolta Chroma Meter. The a* value measureschanges in skin color in the red region. This is used to determinewhether a composition is inducing irritation. The measurements can bemade on each side of the face and averaged, as left and right facialvalues. Skin clarity can also be measured using the Minolta Meter. Themeasurement is a combination of the a*, b, and L values of the MinoltaMeter and is related to skin brightness, and correlates well with skinsmoothness and hydration. Skin reading is taken as above. In onenon-limiting aspect, skin clarity can be described as L/C where C ischroma and is defined as (a²+b²)^(1/2).

Skin dryness, surface fine lines, skin smoothness, and skin tone can beevaluated with clinical grading techniques. For example, clinicalgrading of skin dryness can be determined by a five point standardKligman Scale: (0) skin is soft and moist; (1) skin appears normal withno visible dryness; (2) skin feels slightly dry to the touch with novisible flaking; (3) skin feels dry, tough, and has a whitish appearancewith some scaling; and (4) skin feels very dry, rough, and has a whitishappearance with scaling. Evaluations can be made independently by twoclinicians and averaged.

Clinical grading of skin tone can be performed via a ten point analognumerical scale: (10) even skin of uniform, pinkish brown color. Nodark, erythremic, or scaly patches upon examination with a hand heldmagnifying lens. Microtexture of the skin very uniform upon touch; (7)even skin tone observed without magnification. No scaly areas, butslight discolorations either due to pigmentation or erythema. Nodiscolorations more than 1 cm in diameter; (4) both skin discolorationand uneven texture easily noticeable. Slight scaliness. Skin rough tothe touch in some areas; and (1) uneven skin coloration and texture.Numerous areas of scaliness and discoloration, either hypopigmented,erythremic or dark spots. Large areas of uneven color more than 1 cm indiameter. Evaluations were made independently by two clinicians andaveraged.

Clinical grading of skin smoothness can be analyzed via a ten pointanalog numerical scale: (10) smooth, skin is moist and glistening, noresistance upon dragging finger across surface; (7) somewhat smooth,slight resistance; (4) rough, visibly altered, friction upon rubbing;and (1) rough, flaky, uneven surface. Evaluations were madeindependently by two clinicians and averaged.

Skin smoothness and wrinkle reduction can also be assessed visually byusing the methods disclosed in Packman et al. (1978). For example, ateach subject visit, the depth, shallowness and the total number ofsuperficial facial lines (SFLs) of each subject can be carefully scoredand recorded. A numerical score was obtained by multiplying a numberfactor times a depth/width/length factor. Scores are obtained for theeye area and mouth area (left and right sides) and added together as thetotal wrinkle score.

Skin firmness can be measured using a Hargens ballistometer, a devicethat evaluates the elasticity and firmness of the skin by dropping asmall body onto the skin and recording its first two rebound peaks. Theballistometry is a small lightweight probe with a relatively blunt tip(4 square mm-contact area) was used. The probe penetrates slightly intothe skin and results in measurements that are dependent upon theproperties of the outer layers of the skin, including the stratumcorneum and outer epidetinis and some of the dermal layers.

Skin softness/suppleness can be evaluated using the Gas BearingElectrodynamometer, an instrument that measures the stress/strainproperties of the skin. The viscoelastic properties of skin correlatewith skin moisturization. Measurements can be obtained on thepredetermined site on the cheek area by attaching the probe to the skinsurface with double-stick tape. A force of approximately 3.5 gm can beapplied parallel to the skin surface and the skin displacement isaccurately measured. Skin suppleness can then be calculated and isexpressed as DSR (Dynamic Spring Rate in gm/mm).

The appearance of lines and wrinkles on the skin can be evaluated usingreplicas, which is the impression of the skin's surface. Silicone rubberlike material can be used. The replica can be analyzed by imageanalysis. Changes in the visibility of lines and wrinkles can beobjectively quantified via the taking of silicon replicas form thesubjects' face and analyzing the replicas image using a computer imageanalysis system. Replicas can be taken from the eye area and the neckarea, and photographed with a digital camera using a low angle incidencelighting. The digital images can be analyzed with an image processingprogram.

The surface contour of the skin can be measured by using theprofilometer/Stylus method. This includes either shining a light ordragging a stylus across the replica surface. The vertical displacementof the stylus can be fed into a computer via a distance transducer, andafter scanning a fixed length of replica a cross-sectional analysis ofskin profile can be generated as a two-dimensional curve. This scan canbe repeated any number of times along a fix axis to generate a simulated3-D picture of the skin. Ten random sections of the replicas using thestylus technique can be obtained and combined to generate averagevalues. The values of interest include Ra which is the arithmetic meanof all roughness (height) values computed by integrating the profileheight relative to the mean profile height. Rt which is the maximumvertical distance between the highest peak and lowest trough, and Rzwhich is the mean peak amplitude minus the mean peak height. Values aregiven as a calibrated value in mm. Equipment should be standardizedprior to each use by scanning metal standards of know values. Ra Valuecan be computed by the following equation: R_(a)=Standardize roughness;l_(m)=the traverse (scan) length; and y=the absolute value of thelocation of the profile relative to the mean profile height (x-axis).

In other non-limiting aspects, the efficacy of the compositions of thepresent invention can be evaluated by using a skin analog, such as, forexample, MELANODERM™. Melanocytes, one of the cells in the skin analog,stain positively when exposed to L-dihydroxyphenyl alanine (L-DOPA), aprecursor of melanin. The skin analog, MELANODERM™, can be treated witha variety of bases containing the compositions and whitening agents ofthe present invention or with the base alone as a control.Alternatively, an untreated sample of the skin analog can be used as acontrol.

Skin clarity and the reduction in freckles and age spots can beevaluated using a Minolta Chromometer. Changes in skin color can beassessed to determine irritation potential due to product treatmentusing the a* values of the Minolta Chroma Meter. The a* value measureschanges in skin color in the red region. This is used to determinewhether the product is inducing irritation. The measurements were madeon each side of the face and averaged, as left and right facial values.Skin clarity can also be measured using the Minolta Meter. Themeasurement is a combination of the a*, b, and L values of the MinoltaMeter and is related to skin brightness, and correlates well with skinsmoothness and hydration. Skin reading is taken as above. Skin clarityis defined as L/C where C is chroma and is defined as (a²+b²)^(1/2).

All of the compositions and/or methods disclosed and claimed in thisspecification can be made and executed without undue experimentation inlight of the present disclosure. While the compositions and methods ofthis invention have been described in terms of particular embodiments,it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may beapplied to the compositions and/or methods and in the steps or in thesequence of steps of the method described herein without departing fromthe concept, spirit and scope of the invention. More specifically, itwill be apparent that certain agents which are both chemically andphysiologically related may be substituted for the agents describedherein while the same or similar results would be achieved. All suchsimilar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in theart are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and concept of theinvention as defined by the appended claims.

1. A skin moisturizing composition comprising: (a) a discontinuous oilphase comprising less than 25% by weight of the composition, wherein thediscontinuous oil phase includes: (i) 6 to 8% by weight of thecomposition of petrolatum; and (ii) 0.1 to 1% by weight of thecomposition of dimethicone; (b) a continuous water phase comprising atleast 75% by weight of the composition, wherein the continuous waterphase includes: (i) 65 to 70% by weight of the composition of water;(ii) 6 to 8% by weight of the composition of glycerin; and (iii) 4 to 6%by weight of the composition of propylene glycol; and (c) 4 to 6% byweight of the composition of distearyldimonium chloride, wherein thecomposition has a viscosity between 75,000 cps to 100,000 cps.
 2. Theskin moisturizing composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is acream or a lotion.
 3. The skin moisturizing composition of claim 2,wherein the composition is not a foam.
 4. The skin moisturizingcomposition of claim 3, wherein the composition does not include a filmforming polymer.
 5. The skin moisturizing composition of claim 2,wherein the discontinuous oil-phase further comprises: (iii) 1-3% byweight of the composition of C12-15 alkyl benzoate; (iv) 1-3% by weightof the composition of cetyl alcohol; and (v) 1-3% by weight of thecomposition of caprylic/capric triglyceride.
 6. The skin moisturizingcomposition of claim 1, wherein the composition is formulated tomoisturize skin for 24 hours.
 7. A method for moisturizing skincomprising topically applying the composition of claim 1 to skin in needthereof, wherein topical application of the composition moisturizes theskin.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the composition is applied todry or flaky skin.
 9. The method of claim 7, wherein the skin moistureis increased, as determined by comparing water content of the stratumcorneum of the skin prior to topical application of the composition and24 hours after topical application of the composition.
 10. The method ofclaim 9, wherein the skin moisture is increased by 5 to 9%.
 11. Themethod of claim 7, wherein the composition is formulated to remain onthe skin after the skin has been rinsed with soap and water for oneminute.